Gusto kong matutong mag-drive

Have you played a song in your head over and over again? Or perhaps do you have a theme song for your current endeavor?

Four years ago, I got my driver’s license but didn’t drive. I’m proud to say that I went through the whole legal process. For some unknown reasons, I just didn’t drive. Last January, our car was left in my care. I have no choice but to drive it. Lucky me, right? I did learn how to drive (thanks to A1 and my dad) and going to Pampanga put my skills to the test. And now the song plays on, magda-drive ako buong taon,magda-drive ako habang buhay, magda-drive ako hanggang buwan

just exiting NLEX at San Simon. A scenic drive turned nightmare when we got lost.

I decided to go to Gintung Pakpak Ecopark because it had been raining and it wouldn’t be safe to go to Biak-na-Bato (that’s what I was told) Since I heavily depended on maps, I searched our way to the park with Google map. I totally overlooked the map on their facebook account which is why I followed a different way. Together with my aunt and friend, we made our way to the park. San Simon Exit was not a bad choice after all. We drove through the greens of the fields while heading to Mt. Arayat. We even caught a glimpse of their old church. The nightmare began when we went back and forth a rough road. At first, we were told we would get there once we passed by the municipal hall. It was just unfortunate that we were passing along the wrong town. The park is at the foot of Mt. Arayat but not in Arayat town. We had been circling the same route when I decided to stop at a gasoline station. The seller didn’t know the park but fortunately knew the barangay. She gave us the right direction but I also asked two soldiers outside the store just to be sure. When we reached the end of Magalang Road, we saw a sign of Gintung Pakpak Ecopark. Finally, the light at the end of the tunnel was now in sight!

We just followed the signs and went though narrow and steep roads and behold the park is real.

Welcome!

When we got there, we saw some students and the parking space was full. I was just so happy we could eat. I was nibbling on crackers while driving because I was just starving. We paid the P200 entrance fee and went right ahead to find the restaurant. P50 goes to the environment fee while the remaining can be consumed at the restaurant. We ate sinigang and seafood. I love the spicy and hot seafood but did not enjoy the sinigang. I just don’t like too much oil in my food.

After the satisfying meal, a staff guided us with a tour in the park.

line of bonsai

with my aunt and friend

the dorm

tables and chairs, coffee and cream, stories and friends

one of their beautiful villas

inside the villa

the park’s cute pool or big basin

we found my friend’s wedding venue 🙂

at the restaurant

The park provides a place where you can really feel peaceful and commune with nature. I just felt connected with nature and somehow relieved from the noise of the city. After walking along the park, nothing quenched my thirst but their tamarind shake. I swear it’s the best fruit shake ever!

my tamarind shake

It was a long drive home but the experience of getting lost and going back the right path had the trip all worth it!